The impact of discussion of non-medical problems in the physician's office

To determine the impact of discussion of non-medical problems with the physician, patients with at least one chronic illness who were taking medication were interviewed in their family doctor's office. Of 149 patients interviewed, 90.6% reported at least one non-medical problem. Half (51%) of those patients with a problem had discussed it with their doctor. More than half (55%) of those patients discussing a problem reported that the discussion was helpful. Patient compliance and satisfaction were positively associated with 'helpful' discussion, but not with discussion per se. In particular, the two aspects of doctor-patient communication which were significantly associated with feeling helped were: 'Doctor tells me all I want to know about my illness' and 'Doctor gives me a chance to say what is really on my mind'. Both factors reflect care which is oriented to patient concerns. The study results provide support for a patient-centred approach to care.